Last Friday in Brussels, the European Commission and the European Agency for Safety & Health at Work (EU-OSHA) in cooperation with the Netherlands EU Presidency, launched a two-year Europe-wide campaign: Healthy Workplaces for All Ages. Focusing on sustainable work and workplace safety and health in the context of the ageing workforce, the campaign provides a timely reminder that the younger workers of today are the older workers of tomorrow.more

As most cleaning professionals around the world know, the old Material Safety Data Sheet has been replaced by the new Safety Data Sheet. In the process, numerous questions have come up as to why the old MSDS was replaced along with enquiries specifically about the new SDS forms.more

For a high profile brand such as National Express, image is everything.

The Group delivers services in the UK, North America, Germany, Spain and Morocco, with more than 800 million journeys annually made on its buses, trains, light rail services and coaches. It strives for operational excellence in everything it does across the organisation, from its safety and CSR policy to choice of vehicle and livery.more

Algae on wooden decks... on terraces and pavements... slippery, ugly and damaging. And if aesthetics are at stake - as they are on monuments, tombstones, facades, etc., the cost of algae removal can be substantial - not just in hours, but also in material damage.

Over the coming weeks, many cleaning companies will go out on site and temporarily remove the green tarnish... knowing that the algae will return in a couple of months. more

Cannon Hygiene has launched the Imagine collection of washroom dispensers in over 40 countries - a modern product range which showcases a fully co-ordinated design scheme to create a style-led washroom suite.

The company says that the range will inspire customers to Imagine more from their washrooms with a choice of 24 dispensers featuring a modern, striking geometric look inspired by interior design trends and the Cannon Hygiene logo.more

Spinaclean, the specialist pressure washer and cleaning equipment manufacturer, has launched New Slipstream Pro 20, a flat surface and traditional pressure washer for large areas of commercial and domestic paving, brickwork and decking.more

The Environment Ministry of India has revised its Solid Waste Management Rules after 16 years, to encourage citizens to do something to prevent the waste to wealth by following 'recovery, reuse and recycle' principles wherever possible.more

ContinuumBridge, a provider of enterprise IoT (Internet of Things) solutions, has launched Spur, an intelligent call-to-action device and service aimed at service providers in the facilities management, retail, leisure and hospitality industries. It provides an intelligent, easy-to-use means for service users to initiate a request or report an issue and provides the user with an immediate acknowledgement.more

SkyVac has launched what it believes is the world's most powerful pole operated gutter cleaner. The company says that the SkyVac Industrial is at least three times more powerful than any other model; capable of drawing 8000 litres of air per minute and lifting water 150in. It will even remove heavy tufts of grass up to 5 kilos.

Celebrating its fifth year of UK production, SkyVac has designed this model for all situations. It has three motors controlled by a power management lever to operate on 6,500 - 8,000 litres suction per minute and to ensure economical use of electricity.more

Just imagine the air in a room being made odour free and sanitised safely and efficiently in 15 minutes... This is what the AC7Duo offers at a push of a button. No chemicals or deodorants are required as this commercial grade air cleaning system is inspired by nature - a thoughtful combination of harnessed ozone power and mobility under your control.

Fresh and clean smelling air is often critical for a company's performance and reputation, as well as for its occupants' health and wellbeing.more

Eunited Robotics - the European Robotics Association - reports that the ISO Technical Specification with safety requirements for industrial human-robot collaboration (ISO/TS 15066) was finalised by the responsible international ISO working group in December 2015 and published by ISO on February 15, 2016.

The document can be ordered at ISO store (www.iso.org). ISO/TS 15066 contains requirements for the safe implementation of robots in collaborative operations and with robotics being used more and more in cleaning, the publication is timely.more

"The 2014 edition of Esclean was a giant leap towards the sector's objectives," say the Spanish show's organisers. "It succeeded in promoting professionalisation and guaranteed product quality, encouraged a culture of professional cleaning and hygiene, fostered the launch of actions aimed at reducing costs while improving the hygienic result of cleaning.

It also "disseminated the idiosyncrasies of a sector that creates employment and wealth and which is committed to the environment, enhanced well-being, quality of life and public health."more

Despite having policies in place to prevent infections, staff at outpatient care facilities fail to follow recommendations for hand hygiene 37% of the time, and for safe injection practices 33% of the time.

This is according to a study published in the April issue of the American Journal of Infection Control, the official publication of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control & Epidemiology (APIC).more

Avmor, Canada's leading manufacturer of professional cleaning solutions for the Jan/San and foodservice markets, believes that the professional cleaning industry should honour this day by focusing on ways to protect human health... and at the top of its list is indoor air quality.more

Med-X announced this week that it has struck a deal with cultivation distribution venue GrowMinded to supply its Nature-Cide cleaning and pest control products to cannabis cultivators in several states throughout the US.more

We can expect to see a lot more from Vaclensa in the near future and the company's large stand at the Manchester Cleaning Show gave us a taste of things to come. What caught our attention was an area being buzzed around by the new Commercial i-Robot robotic cleaning machine, which has a really low profile for cleaning under cupboards etc.more

Papyrus Supplies has acquired the family owned company Veli Mark Oy in Finland, the full service wholesaler within the professional cleaning and hygiene products sector, which uses the distinctive zebra print (and the animals themselves) in its branding.

Through this acquisition, Papyrus Supplies says it is further strengthening its Nordic position in the field of cleaning and facilities management supplies.more

Kennedy Hygiene Products has unveiled its latest air-freshener system - the Airplus Ellipse - at the Manchester Cleaning Show.

A simple, battery-free, door-mounted air freshener solution for washroom cubicles, the Airplus Ellipse offers maximum ease of service with easy loading and activation of the refill: the cartridge has been designed to activate inside the dispenser using the action created by closing the cover - thus avoiding any possible fragrance spillage.more

In 2015, the Restroom Association (Singapore) reached new milestones with the launch of its World Toilet Day Commemoration Fund, Happy Toilets @ Preschools Programme and Guide to Better Preschool Toilet Design, Maintenance and Education.more

For the first time, the World Federation of Building Service Contractors will be gathering cleaning industry decision-makers from around the world for a meeting in Berlin.

From 18th to 20th September 2017, the Federation will be holding its congress alongside the international cleaning trade fair CMS Berlin 2017 - Cleaning.Management.Services in the German capital. The headline topic of the international conference is 'Cleaning in the digital world - processes, people, technology.'more

New products seen on the Greyland stand include Cotton Fresh air freshener trigger spray, Bathroom Cleaner and Limescale Remover trigger sprays formulated with anti-limescale for hard water areas, and their 1L angle neck Spring Toilet Freshener. We'll be bringing you more detailed information on these new products very soon.

Welcome to the

Cleanzine - the original Cleaning & Hygiene industry e-news

Read by industry professionals in 163 countries worldwide!

Nothing quite underlines the fact that having decent, accessible washrooms in town centres is good for tourism and business, as the news recently of a coach firm saying it will give Newbury town centre, Berkshire, a miss when it comes to stopovers, as a result of the council closing two of its public toilets!

Up to 1,000 coach passengers a week will now no longer be stopping at the town for lunch and other refreshments or to do some shopping, as the coach company says it will be finding somewhere else to stop over in future. And that’s just one company. Just imagine the figures if other coach operators follow suit – as well as other people who’d normally spend the day (and their money) in Newbury but who will now decide to ‘go’ elsewhere…

I know it costs money to keep public toilets open, clean and stocked, but the knock-on effect on local businesses that suffer as a result of closures, impacts on their ability to pay their rents and rates and thus reduces a council’s income. Local businesses without enough income, eventually have to close down themselves, don’t they? Boarded up shops don’t do anything for a town’s image and once the rot sets in, it can be downhill all the way from then on in…

Some of the forum comments that have gone up, following the news, show that people are, generally, frustrated by the closures – and obviously this isn’t all just about Newbury but about public facilities the UK over. Some overseas posters are saying that the UK’s the worst in Europe when it comes to decent public toilet provision. Many posters are saying they’ll use other town centres instead, while some are admitting that they’re finding it harder to go out anywhere for the day, as the lack of public facilities – particularly as they get older – is keeping them in their homes.

It’s being suggested that visitors to Newbury use the library’s facilities but I understand that these are not near the coach stop-off points and will likely involve queuing. Not exactly a ‘public convenience’ then…

I do hope that before the two blocks that have been shut down are sold to developers and turned into housing, the council considers installing turnstiles and charging people, say 10p or even 20p to use them. The money will soon add up…

UK consumers are united in not tolerating poor food hygiene ratings and simply won't visit places that have had food safety issues, no matter what type of restaurant they are. Some 61% won't eat at a restaurant, takeaway, coffee shop or pub that has a low Food Standards Agency (FSA) Food Hygiene Rating while three quarters (75%) said they wouldn't risk dining at a restaurant that had been implicated in a food hygiene incident, even if recommended by someone that they trust.more

With ISSA/Interclean Amsterdam just around the corner, Brightwell Dispensers - the global independent designer and manufacturer of innovative soap, paper and chemical dispensing systems for the hygiene industry - is back with some exciting new product ranges...

2016 celebrates the release of new product ranges including the Quantura range of dishwash dosing systems, a new drain dosing system and the recently launched EcoMulti chemical dilution system. The company has chosen ISSA/ Interclean Amsterdam to preview the new ranges which will be on display at stand 01.239.more

In results announced this week, Tennant Company has reported net earnings of $4.4 million, on net sales of $179.9 million for the first quarter ended 31st March, 2016. In the 2015 first quarter, Tennant reported net earnings of $5.0 million, on record net sales for a first quarter of $185.7 million.

"The sluggish business environment that we encountered in the 2015 fourth quarter carried over into the 2016 first quarter, making for a difficult comparison against record sales in the prior year period," says Chris Killingstad, Tennant Company's president and chief executive officer.more

The Chemours Company has signed a definitive agreement to sell the Disinfectants, Oxone and Chlorine Dioxide business lines (Clean and Disinfect business) of its Chemical Solutions segment to speciality chemicals group Lanxess for $230 million in cash. The company anticipates closing the transaction within the second half of 2016, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.more

Imperago has published a paper outlining the importance of taking staff fatigue into account when devising staff working patterns. Major companies convicted of corporate manslaughter that have a turnover of £50m or more could now face fines of up to £20m according to guidelines by the Sentencing Council that were announced recently.

While there are many lifestyle factors that can cause fatigue, so too can work related factors such as time of working and resting periods, length and number of consecutive work duties and intensity of work demands.more

In annual awards created by British Cleaning Council members, the Association of Building Cleaning Direct Service Providers and Denis Rawlins, (which provides sponsorship), June Manley has been named Cleaning Operative of the Year 2016. June, who works at Carr Mill Primary School, St Helens, Merseyside, wins £250 of high street vouchers and a specially engraved glass trophy.more

Dr. Hugo-Maria Schally - head of unit Eco-Innovation and Circular Economy, directorate general for the Environment, Directorate Green Economy of the European Commission, will lead the session titled 'Redefining Innovation - Opportunities of the EU Circular Economy Package' on 12th May at the 26th edition of ISSA/Interclean in Amsterdam.

As a leading advocate of sustainability in Europe, Dr. Schally will provide attendees with an overview of the Circular Economy Package and, in particular, its potential to impact the cleaning sector by improving global competitiveness, fostering sustainable economic growth and generating new jobs.more

Rosemor International has recently lined up four different generations of its customers' machines in its workshops. This shows 16 years of innovation and technical development.

The Alta 20, built in 2000 was the original model Rosemor brought from Tennant, also known as the Rotomac 300. As you can see the control panel and many other features were modernised in developing the next model, the Rotomac 330, some five years later.more

On World Day for Health & Safety at Work, the British Safety Council has re-affirmed its role in the industry as a champion of health & safety at work and its belief that proportionate and effective management of health & safety is an enabler of business activity.

Celebrated annually on 28 April and led by the International Labour Organisation, the World Day for Safety an&d Health at Work raises public awareness of the importance of health & safety at work, as well as the prevention of occupational accidents. In 2014/2015, accidents at work claimed 142 lives and caused 78,000 injuries in Britain.more

Australian Union United Voice has stepped in to help a group of cleaners win the pay and conditions they deserve.

The union says that in late 2014, when cleaning contractor Pickwick won the contract for the Murray Bridge Marketplace shopping centre, it hired new workers and compelled them to provide an Australian Business Number. It says that in 2015, cleaners were paid a flat rate of AU$19 (£9.90) an hour for any day of the year and that they did not receive paid annual leave, sick leave or superannuation, so were effectively casual employees even though they were regularly rostered.more

The Member of Parliament for Selby and Ainsty, who has consistently championed local businesses and, as Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Biomass Group, is an enthusiastic supporter of biomass, appropriately chose April 22nd, Earth Day 2016, for his visit. The first Earth Day, more than 25 years ago, is widely credited with launching the modern environmental movement.more

Dolphin Dispensers, a leading UK-based manufacturer and global commercial washrooms solutions provider, will be launching its extended Excel Dispenser range at this year's ISSA/Interclean event taking place in Amsterdam 10 - 13th May 2016.

A master in the art of creating seamless washrooms, Dolphin Dispensers says its current Excel range can be found within landmark commercial office developments and public buildings including education facilities, airports and stations around the world.more

Springfield Clinic has announced that it is the first Ambulatory Surgery Center in Illinois, US, to use the Xenex Germ-Zapping Robot and is among the leading outpatient surgery centres in the country to incorporate the technology.

The Xenex robot, affectionately named Louie by the Springfield Clinic Infection Control Committee, uses Full Spectrum pulsed xenon ultraviolet light to quickly and safely destroy harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi and bacterial spores. The portable system is effective against even the most dangerous pathogens, including C. diff, influenza, Ebola and MRSA.more

Thrive Homes put its residents at the heart of the decision-making process before awarding its new communal cleaning and grounds maintenance contracts.

The housing association involved its tenants and leaseholders in every stage of the process before awarding its communal cleaning contract to Pinnacle PSG and its grounds maintenance work to Lotus Landscapes, with a sub-contract to social enterprise, Let's Talk Grounds Maintenance (LTGM).more

GMB Scotland members across Glasgow City Council are being balloted for industrial action over changes to working time arrangements that could cost workers up to £500 a year. A strike ballot of over 1,500 members employed across key services such as cleansing, refuse, land and environment and social care will run from Friday 29th April to Thursday 19th May.

The dispute has been prompted by GCC's decision to convert six public holidays into annual leave, removing the ability of staff to work hours on overtime rates of pay which have been crucial in helping thousands of workers avoid the low pay trap.more

A spate of new contracts and additions across the UK measures the continued growth of cleaning and security services provider, Regent Samsic in the year's first quarter.

2016 sees steady brand penetration for the Coventry-based company spanning a wide range of client markets.more

The Cleanzine Archive Search

We keep an extensive archive of news stories and product information that have featured in past issues
of The Cleanzine.
If you would like to run a search of the The Cleanzine web site using the search tool
below please just go ahead by entering in the name of the person, product or company or any other key words that
you are looking for.

We are looking for the right people to join our sales team. This is an exciting opportunity to join our small, friendly team and sell our unique, premium quality floor cleaning and steam cleaning equipment.

Duplex Cleaning Machines has been a leading industry expert in the supply of commercial and industrial cleaning machines since 1986.

The successful candidate will be well-organised, professional and familiar with dealing with people at all levels. Experience of the cleaning industry is preferred although full training and product information will be given.

The role will include managing our existing networks of dealers and distributors plus developing new ones, demonstrating our equipment to prospective clients, installing machines and training end-users, prospecting for new business and attending trade exhibitions. In return we are offering a competitive salary plus unlimited commission based on sales achieved, fully-funded car and support to organize your territory and working operation to achieve the best results.

Quality Care Cleaning has an exciting opportunity for a Contract Manager to join our team in Cambridge. We offer a competitive salary depending upon experience. Benefits include; the use of a company vehicle, mobile phone & tablet, plus 28 days holiday per annum (Including bank holidays).

We are a professional, commercial cleaning company with over 30 years' experience, looking to employ a Contract Manager on a full time, permanent basis to manage the service delivery of a number of key contracts. We require an experienced, professional, hands-on and customer-focused individual that shares our commitment to effectively manage an established team, to achieve consistent high cleaning standards.

Job Purpose

To effectively manage cleaning services at sites allocated to you in line with Quality Care Cleaning standards, statutory requirements and as directed by management.

PALLMANN is the 100+ year old division of the German Uzin-Utz AG and manufactures products and machinery for the installation, renovation and maintenance of wood floors.

We wish to appoint an experienced sales manager to promote our innovative, full range of products to contract customers and their clients.

Strong relationships within the wood floor or floor care market, an ability to identify and develop business opportunities and the self motivation to succeed will be rewarded with a generous career package and an enviable opportunity to play a key part of our success.

The ideal candidate will live in the Midlands area and should expect some time away from home, in the UK and in Germany.more

WECOVI, a long established Dutch manufacturing specialist to the professional cleaning and leisure sectors, is seeking to recruit an Account Manager to maintain and develop its business within the United Kingdom and Ireland.

This appointment offers an exciting and challenging opportunity for a sales professional to join a progressive organisation which has operations in The Netherlands, Germany and the United Kingdom.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the continuing development of the company's business with existing accounts and to build new and profitable business relationships. The role includes working with other account managers to train end-user customers in the correct use of the company's products and to develop and train distributor staff to ensure the maximum optimisation of the Wecoline brand.

We are seeking to appoint a young or experienced industry professional who is enthusiastic, willing to work hard and who is looking to enhance their career with this dynamic and growing international Organisation.

Reintec (part of the HSS Group) are a specialist Hire, Sales and Service cleaning equipment provider who support customers throughout the UK. As the business continues to grow, we now have fantastic opportunities for two National Account Managers to join our team covering both Northern and Southern UK.

The National Account Managers will work closely with our Sales Director to attract new customers whilst ensuring customer retention and growth. The role will focus on the development of the sales pipeline for Reintec to drive revenue and win new business.

Alongside a proven sales experience from the contract cleaning industry, communication skills, commercial awareness and a 'can do' attitude are the key ingredients we're looking for. You'll need to be comfortable working with key stakeholders across the business and happy to present to new and existing customers.

What are the benefits? We'll be honest - it's our colleagues that make us what we are. As well as a competitive salary, company car and fantastic bonus, we provide an industry leading benefits package with an extended range of family-friendly benefits.

A new position has become available for a Technical Manager to join the British Institute of Cleaning Science. The successful applicant will take the lead in developing a new range of training and learning programmes, using different methodologies including classroom, practical and online. These new products and services will contribute to the increase in training and membership sales and other related business in both the UK and Internationally. The role will include delivering consultancy services to our customers when appropriate.more

Strategic Operations ManagerCambridge, OTE 40K-50K

Quality Care Cleaning has an exciting opportunity for a Strategic Operations Manager to join our team in Cambridge. We offer a OTE salary range of £40,000 - £50,000 per annum plus benefits We are a professional, commercial cleaning company with over 30 years' experience, looking to employ a Strategic Operations Manager on a full time, permanent basis to manage our service delivery. We require an experienced, professional, quality driven individual that shares our commitment to customer care, team work & high standards to effectively manage an established team.

Swift Office Cleaning Services Limited is an ISO9001 & 14001 accredited company that has an excellent opportunity for a Field Sales Executive to join their team. You will be visiting potential clients' premises covering London, Herts & Essex to discuss their requirements for daily office cleaning and various associated services.

A proven sales record in the cleaning industry is essential and you will be able to understand the clients' needs thoroughly, allowing enough time for our cleaning staff to complete our proposal that caters for the clients requirements at the budget they are prepared to spend. Telesales is also a vital part in this role, so experience in all aspects of lead generation is essential.

The successful candidate will be: An excellent communicator with the ability to build rapport with customers. Professional in appearance and conduct. Experienced in field sales in the daily office cleaning or associated cleaning industries and preparing accurate proposals and making your own appointments. Flexible with regards to travel and working when required for new client and contract start meetings. Clean driving licence and ideally living within 25 mile radius of Harlow. more

We have an opportunity for a

Field Sales ManagerCentral England

We are looking for the right person to join our sales team. This is a very rare opportunity to join our small, friendly team and sell our unique, premium quality floor cleaning equipment in the central area of England.

Duplex Cleaning Machines has been a leading industry expert in the supply of commercial and industrial cleaning machines since 1986.

Recognised and trusted throughout the UK and globally, the Duplex range cleans all types of flooring and features the unique ability to clean and sanitise with the power of steam. The Duplex machine is the result of many years of the finest design, engineering and craftsmanship with each machine being hand-built in Italy.

Duplex has been an ISO 9001 accredited company for over twenty years demonstrating our compliance with all quality standards related to the supply of products and services.

The successful candidate will be well-organised, professional and familiar with dealing with people at all levels. Experience of the cleaning industry is preferred although full training and product information will be given. more

The Cleanzine is broadcast
every Thursday. You may receive it FREE each week by
clicking the link above.To prevent this newsletter from getting swept up by overzealous email filters, we suggest that you add news@thecleanzine.com to your address book.

The European workforce is ageing fast. By 2030, employees aged over 55 are expected to make up 30% or more of the total workforce in many EU countries. In the UK, 30% or more of the total workforce is already over 50 years' old, while 60 year and older employees constitute 23% of the workforce, and this figure is set to rise to 30.7% by 2020.more

Commenting on today's ONS Labour Market Statistics, (www.ons.gov.uk) Gerwyn Davies, labour market adviser at the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development, the professional body for HR and people development, says:

"Existing employer concerns over the cost implications of the National Living Wage, pension auto-enrolment and the impending Apprenticeship Levy are starting to affect confidence amongst employers.more

A new report on the UK facilities management market from MTW Research has found that profitability is set to rise by £200 million in 2016, sustaining optimism for the market despite a slight slowdown in growth.more

Leading cleaning chemicals manufacturer Greyland held a golf putting competition at the recent Manchester Cleaning Show, which John Wolohan of Prestige Supplies, Wigan, won by sinking an impressive 3 out of 5 putts.more

MTW Research has published a new Research & Analysis market report providing a fresh, comprehensive & reliable review of the public and private sector UK Contract Cleaning Market in 2016 with forecasts to 2020.more

One of the most dominating stories of the past few weeks has been the uncertain future of the Tata steelworks in Port Talbot, Wales. The closure of the plant and others like it around the UK would have far reaching negative consequences, some of which concerns Brushtec.more

Cordant Services has secured contracts to supply a wide-range of cleaning, security and front of house services to the University of London. Dedicated teams will create a clean, safe and attractive environment within all the buildings of the University's academic and residential estatemore

Congratulations to all those who made it to Event City Manchester, yesterday at 06:30, to watch or take part in BBC Breakfast's coverage of The Cleaning Show. It was clearly great fun and gave the industry lots of valuable publicity - especially as it was shown regularly throughout the morning.more

Paul Sherrington really looked as if he was enjoying his work demonstrating Unger's recently launched Stringray cleaning tool to the gathered audiences packing the stand throughout the Manchester Cleaning Show - and his enthusiasm was infectious.more

Morclean's Green Apple Award-winning BinWash machine has clearly created a stir because as the Manchester Cleaning Show's doors opened, two organisations made a beeline for the stand and asked to buy the machine on show.more

It's all very well having state-of-the-art cleaning equipment but unless your operating skills are up to scratch, you're not going to do the best job, are you? Karcher has been running a competition at the Manchester Cleaning Show to see who can negotiate its tight course the quickest, without knocking over any of the bollards (which incurs penalties) using both walk-behind and ride-on machines.more

Events & Exhibitions

Loo of the Year Awards8th December 201730th Anniversary of this popular event
St Johns Hotel, Solihull
UK2016Video